◄ What Does 2 Peter 3:1 Mean? ►

Peter walked with Jesus, talked with Him, and spent three amazing years with the lovely Lord Jesus, Whom he confessed as Christ the Son of the living God. He was one of the twelve disciples who were sent by Christ to minister to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, healing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing the lepers, and casting out demons.

The apostle Peter was no stranger to the divine power and wonderful work of the Lord Jesus. He could have devoted the rest of his life reminiscing about Christ's divine power, His gracious words, and astonishing teachings. He could have made a name for himself as the apostle to whom were given the keys of the kingdom.

But Peter preferred to share the good news of the gospel of grace with his fellow countrymen, no matter what the cost, and to tell abroad the wonders and glory of Christ Jesus, his Lord. He taught others to die to self and to live for Christ. He warned others about false teachers, doctrines of demons, and the inevitable persecution that Christians will suffer in this world.

He encouraged believers to grow in grace, to know more of Christ, to mature in the faith, to foster a compassionate nature with a clear conscience, and to develop a Christlike attitude in thought, word, and deed. And through his epistles, Peter proclaimed the gospel of the grace of God to Christian pilgrims near and far. He sent letters of instruction and encouragement to believers who like him had trusted Christ for their salvation and been declared righteous before God, because of their precious faith in Jesus.

The Holy Spirit had already informed Peter that the time for his death was fast approaching, and so as he drew his last letter to a close he wrote: "Dear friends, this is now the second of two letters I am writing to you, in which I have been trying to stimulate your pure minds by way of reminder."

Peter had shared numerous teachings and wise instruction over many decades, and the content of his two epistles were reminders of all the things he had already taught earlier. He wanted to bring to their remembrance all the important information and instructions they had already received over the years, not only from his pen, but from other apostles like James, John, Jude, and Paul, together with the holy writings of prophets from Old Testament times.

All Scripture is vital for our learning, correction, instruction in righteousness, and encouragement. And like those men and women who were the recipients of this letter, we should take every opportunity to familiarise ourselves with the Scriptures, for the Word of God is living, active, and sharper than a two-edged sword. It is a hammer which can shatter rock, and a light that gives understanding to the simple.

The Word of God is a lamp to guide and truth to instruct. It nourishes the hungry, comforts the afflicted, supports the weak, gives strength to the weary, and confounds the enemy. Praise God that the Word of the Lord is settled in heaven and cannot be broken.

Let us study to show ourselves approved unto God and use it daily to bring to our remembrance the things we have been taught, knowing the days are evil and the time for Christ's return is drawing every closer. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom and instruction in Your Word which is my Shield and Buckler, my Rock, and the Anchor of my soul on which I secure my faith. Thank You that You moved holy men of God, like the apostle Peter, to instruct and guide, to warn and teach. I pray that, day by day, You would bring to my remembrance the things I have learned from the writings of Your apostles and prophets and guide me into all truth, for Your name's sake. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.